Matt Damon in Talks to Star in Christopher Nolan’s Next Movie

(Left) Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in ‘The Bourne Ultimatum.’ Photo: Universal Pictures. (Right) Writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of ‘Oppenheimer.’

Preview:

Chris Nolan is developing his next, mysterious movie.
Matt Damon is in talks to star.
Universal will distribute the film.

Ever since Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ won seven Oscars and earned nearly a billion dollars at the box office, the question on everyone’s mind has been, “what will he do to follow that up?” Well, maybe not Nolan’s mind, which in the immediate aftermath was probably, “how long can I sleep for?”

But the ever-active mind of the filmmaker behind films such as ‘Inception,’ ‘Tenet’ and the successful Batman trilogy, has not been sleeping long, and he’s now starting to put the pieces together for his next movie.

Deadline is reporting that Matt Damon is now in talks for the director’s new project, though much about it beyond that is strictly under wraps, which is pretty much his style.

What’s the story of Christopher Nolan’s next film?

Christopher Nolan accepts the Oscar® for Directing during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

As with everything to do with Nolan, the title, plot and even genre are a mystery at this point.

There had been some chatter a few years ago about the writer/director looking at adapting cult British series ‘The Prisoner’ for the big screen, but this is apparently not that.

“No man is just a number.”

NR1 SeasonsSeptember 29th, 1967

Who else will star in Christopher Nolan’s next film?

Oscar® nominee Cillian Murphy arrives on the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Mike Baker / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

With Damon locking down a deal, expect the director to attract another sampling of big-name actors to take part.

Damon, of course, would now be a three-time Nolan performer (following ‘Interstellar’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’) joining the likes of Christian Bale and Cillian Murphy (with the latter scoring an Academy Award for ‘Oppenheimer’) in that club.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Murphy in particular comes back in some capacity; and given how many people cut their salaries and found time in busy schedules for roles in his last film, we doubt Nolan will have an issue filling the ensemble out.

Which studio will distribute Nolan’s next film?

Oscar® nominee Christopher Nolan arrives with Emma Thomason at the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Nick Agro / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

While the filmmaker had been based for years at Warner Bros.’, the company’s decision to put much of its 2020 slate on streaming saw him take his business elsewhere.

The rights to ‘Oppenheimer’ were put up for auction, a bidding battle that Universal ultimately won and reaped the rewards when the movie became a huge sensation.

Nolan was clearly happy without things worked out in collaboration with the studio, as he’s gone right back to it for this new project, which will shoot in the IMAX format next year. He hasn’t ruled out a return to Warners in future, but it appears for now he’s happy where he is.